{"product_id":"getting-krafty-with-kraft-tex","title":"Getting \"Krafty\" with Kraft-Tex","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen I first heard about \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/paper-collections\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKraft-Tex Paper Fabric\u003c\/a\u003e I knew I wanted to try it. A substrate with the feel of paper but the durability of fabric? Sign me up! You can do just about anything to Kraft-Tex — stamp it, apply layers of paint, print on it — and it will stand up to it. It’s a great way to turn your mixed-media art into something wearable or durable, like a book cover, tote bag, or sleeve for your tablet. ?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e My mind has been on Christmas lately. I know, I know! But, as a crafter it’s important to work ahead on holiday projects. I really enjoy making homemade ornaments to give as gifts, and I thought Kraft-Tex would make the perfect base for them. To begin, I first cut out two hearts. I then applied a layer of gray paint, and let it dry. Once dry, I used \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/color\/\"\u003espray inks\u003c\/a\u003e, paint dabbers, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/stencils\"\u003estencils\u003c\/a\u003e to apply a few paint layers. Next I stamped a girl from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rubber-art-stamps\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDina Wakley’s All the Gals stamp set\u003c\/a\u003e twice onto one side, which I decided would be the front. Computer-generated text was also added to the front. To finish, I stitched the heart partially closed with embroidery floss, added stuffing, then finished stitching the heart. For added stability and an extra edgy look I also stapled the perimeter of the heart. I added a bit of embroidery floss for hanging.?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e It’s common for me to keep sheets of paper out to “clean” my brushes and stencils on. I hate wasting paint and ink, so if I ever have extra paint in a brush or ink on a stencil, I’ll rub it on the paper. I’ve made a lot of interesting backgrounds this way. I decided to do use the Kraft-Tex as my medium catch-all. Once I had built up some layers I decided to keep going with my holiday projects and make a gift topper that could also double as a brooch. To do this, I cut out two flowers from the used \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/paper-collections\"\u003eKraft-Tex Paper Fabric\u003c\/a\u003e, layered them, and added a brad to secure them. For extra dimension, I curled the flower petals. With a pin adhered to the back, this gift topper can also be worn after the holidays are over. It’s a great thing to include when sharing a gift with an artsy friend. ?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e There really is so much that can be done with Kraft-Tex that only your imagination limits you. I have great ideas for a messy, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/Mixed-Media-iPad-Case-Project\"\u003emixed-media Kindle sleeve\u003c\/a\u003e and a re-usable book cover.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino;\"\u003eAbout the Artist:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eChristen Olivarez is the Director of Publishing for Stampington \u0026amp; Company and\u003cbr\u003eEditor-in-Chief of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/somerset-studio\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSomerset Studio\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/somerset-life\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSomerset Life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/willow-and-sage\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWillow and Sage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bella-grace\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBella Grace\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e,\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/digital-inspiration\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDigital Inspiration\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/artists-cafe\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eArtists’ Café\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterests: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eart, slow food, writing, books, yarn, authentic living\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Free Projects","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45452523470999,"sku":"PROJ-0889","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0659\/5546\/3319\/files\/PROJ-0889__51248.1558402441.1280.1280.jpg?v=1746793085","url":"https:\/\/stampington.live\/products\/getting-krafty-with-kraft-tex","provider":"Stampington \u0026 Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}